Recent research published in ‘Nature Communications’ introduces a groundbreaking technique for studying redox flow batteries, a technology gaining traction in energy storage applications. Led by Rémy Richard Jacquemond from the Electrochemical Materials and Systems at Eindhoven University of Technology, the study employs neutron imaging to visualize and quantify the distribution of chemical species within these batteries while they are in operation.
Redox flow batteries are particularly promising for large-scale energy storage due to their scalability and the potential use of low-cost materials. However, understanding the microscopic processes that influence their performance has been a challenge. Jacquemond and his team have developed a method that leverages the unique properties of neutron imaging to gain insights into how these batteries operate at a fundamental level.
The researchers utilized the high attenuation of redox-active organic materials and boron-containing electrolytes to perform subtractive neutron imaging. This allowed them to observe the concentration profiles of active species across the electrodes. By correlating these profiles with cell performance under various operating conditions, they uncovered how factors like cell polarity, voltage bias, and flow rate affect the distribution of materials within the flow cell.
Jacquemond noted, “Using this approach, we evaluate the influence of cell polarity, voltage bias, and flow rate on the concentration distribution within the flow cell and correlate these with the macroscopic performance.” This level of detail offers unprecedented insights into reactive mass transport, which is critical for optimizing battery performance.
The implications of this research extend beyond academic interest. For commercial sectors involved in energy storage and electrochemical technologies, the ability to visualize and quantify species concentrations in real-time can lead to more efficient designs and improved materials. Companies developing energy storage solutions may leverage these findings to enhance battery performance, reduce costs, and accelerate the development of new reactor designs.
As the demand for sustainable energy solutions grows, advancements like those presented by Jacquemond’s team could play a pivotal role in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of energy storage systems. The techniques developed in this study may not only benefit redox flow batteries but could also be applied to a variety of electrochemical technologies, potentially reshaping the landscape of energy storage and management.
